Leo Beenhakker, who guided Trinidad and Tobago (TTO) to the FIFA World Cup finals in 2006 has died, aged 82.

Beenhakker, a Dutchman, made TTO the second-ever English-speaking Caribbean nation to qualify for the tournament, which took place in Germany that year.

Latest News, Sports

Ricketts excited as Reggae Girlz set to play USA and England in June

April 16, 2025

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz will face world number one United States and European champion and fourth-ranked England in two international friendlies on Jun...

{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

After finishing fourth in the final round of the Concacaf World Cup qualifying tournament in 2005, TTO went on to face Bahrain in a play-off game to secure their berth.

The first leg, played in Port of Spain, Trinidad, ended in a 1-1 draw, but TTO took a 1-0 win in Bahrain to win the series 2-1 and advance.

News, Western

St James exceeds property tax collection target

MoBay mayor sets eyes on $1.6 billion next year

April 16, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, St James — St James has exceeded its target for property tax collection, raking in $1.318 billion instead of the $1.275 billion expected....

{"xml":"xml"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Beenhakker had also previously coached Real Madrid between 1986 and 1989, and again in 1992. He won six trophies during his four seasons at Real Madrid, including three successive La Liga titles between 1987 and 1989.

“Real Madrid would like to express their condolences and affection to his family, clubs, and loved ones,” the club said in a statement.

Latest News, News

Nearly 14,000 jobs added in January 2025 quarter, unemployment increases to 3.7% — STATIN

April 15, 2025

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s unemployment rate for January 2025 stood at 3.7 per cent, 1.7 percentage points lower than the 5.4 per cent recorded in ...

{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Beenhakker also managed several other clubs in Europe, including Ajax and Feyenoord in his home country, as well as the national teams of the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Poland.

“Ajax received the sad news on Thursday of the passing of Leo Beenhakker with great sorrow and dismay,” the club in a statement.

“Beenhakker was undeniably one of the most colourful and successful Dutch managers in history.”

He coached Ajax in two separate spells and won league titles with them in 1980 and 1990, as well as a third Eredivisie title with Feyenoord in 1999.